What is Success?

I remember back at the end of high school, I told someone I wanted to be a motivational speaker. I wanted to share my story and encourage others who were struggling with depression, anxiety, and self-harm. What that person said to me was meant with the most love possible, but crushed my only dream at the time.

“You have to accomplish something before you can talk about your success.”

See in my mind, I had accomplished so much! I had graduated from high school. I had found a job, and I was succeeding within college. It was not until a few years later that I realized why that hurt so much. See for me, the small things were accomplishments. Going through a day without crying; going a week without hurting myself; getting a 100% on a class assignment. These things were huge to me, because at that point, all I saw was my pain. There was no light at the end of the tunnel so to speak.

I realize now, that I had a dream, and no matter what anyone says or does, I will always have dreams that no one can take away from me. That is what gives me passion and drives me to be the best that I can be. For me, that means starting a blog that has reached over 15 countries in the two weeks that it has run.

Years after this conversation, my life is completely different then I had envisioned. I am living 537km away from home, in a city instead of on a farm. I have four part-time jobs and I am in school full-time. To some, it just seems like growing up. To me, it seems like success because despite having some bad days, I am happy.

What does success look like for you right now?

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Published by Nichole Howson

Nichole is a Marketing Graduate and has a certificate in Christian Ministries as well. Nichole runs a Social Media Marketing company and manages a team of freelancers. In her spare time, Nichole volunteers for non-profits consulting and managing online marketing efforts. She also teaches free workshops in her local community.
View all posts by Nichole Howson

PublishedAugust 15, 2014November 6, 2014

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3 thoughts on “What is Success?”

Nicole, I really appreciated your article. This blog is so cool! I am a firm believer that depression haunts so many and is not talked about enough. You are brave to be sharing your story so that others can feel comfortable in their own skin. I can’t say that I have ever suffered from depression but most of my life I felt very inadequate to the point where I stopped trying, setting goals, or dreaming. And so now I too find joy in the little things. Success to me looks like trying despite failures and knowing that my God finds joy in my triumphs. About a year ago I listened to a speech that a man in my belief gave about depression and feelings of inadequacy and that was the turning point for me. It was incredible. I want to share it with you. Let me know what you like about it.https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng
Abbey

Thanks for Sharing Abbey! I looked at your link, and I love how he says, “Also let us remember that through any illness or difficult challenge, there is still much in life to be hopeful about and grateful for.” That really stood out to me. A very good reminder! Thank-you!

Your Welcome. I am glad that you enjoyed it Nicole. Ya, it is a good reminder to not wait for our current circumstances to change before we try to see the good in things. I really liked that he pointed out that there is no shame in having depressed feelings and there is hope through or Savior, Jesus Christ. That really meant a lot to me.